The contract includes capital costs of $1.26 billion for the new fleet, the new maintenance facility in Dubbo, network-enabling works and other project delivery costs. The contract also incorporates maintenance services for the first 15 years, and a new purpose-built maintenance facility in Dubbo to help stimulate regional economies.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro, said the Liberals and Nationals Government is delivering on its commitment to build a first-class rail fleet for passengers travelling in regional NSW.

“This is a new era for regional rail in NSW,” John said. “This government is following through on its commitment to replace the old rail fleet with a new modern fleet that passengers can use to travel in comfort with all of the facilities expected of modern rail transport.

“This investment will inject billions of new dollars into regional NSW, creating local jobs during the fit out and commissioning of the new fleet and building a new industry in Dubbo to service and maintain that fleet.

“This is one of the most exciting transformations of passenger rail in NSW for decades, improving how people travel in regional NSW and making sure that investment goes straight back into regional economies.”

Some of the new features will include more comfortable, reversible seating, window blinds, charging points for electronic devices and overhead luggage storage.

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Andrew Constance, said the new regional fleet will comprise 117 new carriages to form 10 regional intercity trains, nine short-regional trains and 10 long-regional trains.

“For trips on the regional network, we will be introducing new economy and premium classes. Economy class will have a two-by-two seating layout while premium class will feature an increased number of seats, set in a two-by-one layout,” Andrew said.

“Trains for longer regional journeys will also feature buffet cars and will be more comfortable for those who require wheelchair access.

“The trains will be powered by engines which produce fewer emissions than the current fleet, reducing the impacts on air quality.”

Momentum Trains will maintain the trains for 15 years and will be responsible for designing and building the new fleet maintenance facility in Dubbo, which will be where the final fit out and commissioning of the trains will take place.

NSW TrainLink will operate the new regional fleet with the first trains to be progressively introduced from 2023.